Immortality and cultivation begin with full comprehension.

Chapter 543 Vigorous Rectification (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

At dawn the next day, before the morning mist had dissipated, the sound of gongs echoed through the streets and alleys of the City of Glory.

Clad in black armor, the "City Guard" soldiers, holding Soul-Identifying Jade Slips, formed a long line at the city gate, checking each cultivator entering and leaving.

Every time the jade slip glowed red, several law enforcement disciples pounced on it like wolves and tigers, taking the person to the temporary prison.

The function of this "Soul-Identifying Jade Slip" is simple: it can distinguish between demonic energy, Buddhist light, and evil energy...

Once such creatures are discovered, they should naturally be arrested and interrogated slowly.

"Seven Star Soul Appraisal Array activated!"

That wasn't all. With a command from Xuan Qingzi, the seven jade pagodas on the city wall simultaneously emitted brilliant light, forming a giant net that enveloped the entire city.

As the array patterns flowed, the demonic aura hidden in the shadows was exposed. Three abandoned houses on the outskirts of the city exploded with a bang, and dozens of black-robed men, enveloped in black mist, fled in panic, only to be intercepted by a well-prepared patrol team.

"We must find out everything about these people within three days!"

Inside the city lord's mansion, Wang Tianhua slammed a thick stack of personnel lists onto the table and roared at his subordinates, "Anyone suspected of colluding with the demonic path, lock them in the dungeon first!"

"Tear down all those shops occupying the fortifications!"

His gaze swept across the illegally constructed shops being demolished outside the window, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "Anyone who disobeys will be dealt with according to military law!"

He was shocked to discover what he had found!
No one expected that hundreds of demonic cultivators had infiltrated the area!

What are you trying to do?!
Is this a preparation to seize the city?
They even captured more than a dozen lay Buddhist disciples among them!

As for cultivators from other forces, there were quite a few of them as well!
However, apart from the demonic path and the Buddhist path, the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" did not target the Xuanmen (Taoist sects) or the neutral ones, after all, it is not possible to push everyone to the opposite side.

No matter how powerful the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" is, it dares not make an enemy of the whole world.

Meanwhile, under Li Yunjing's orders, elite squads of the "Black Tortoise Army" and "White Tiger Army" in the city also ventured into the darkest corners of the city to search everywhere.

In an underground arena, a squad of the "White Tiger Army" discovered a blood array that used human sacrifices, and the stench of blood mixed with the smell of rust hit them.

"Search for me!"

With a wave of his longsword, Liu Qingfeng, the commander of the "White Tiger Army," sent dozens of soldiers scattering like arrows, overturning the arena and smashing open hidden compartments. When they unearthed more than thirty not-yet-completely-corrupted corpses of cultivators, everyone present stared in fury.

Since this morning, unrest has broken out everywhere in the "City of Glory," and the killings have hardly stopped.

Those unrelated cultivators were all trembling with fear.

He was afraid that the people of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" would misunderstand him as a spy of the demonic path.

As for those deeply hidden members of the demonic, Buddhist, and other spiritual sects, they were too frightened to go out and carefully dealt with the search, fearing that their whereabouts would be discovered.

Even if the defenses of the "City of Glory" are weak, it still has a large number of Golden Core and Foundation Establishment cultivators. This force is enough to deal with any enemy.

As for whether there are any Nascent Soul Realm level beings among the demonic cultivators who have infiltrated the city?

That's something a low-level cultivator couldn't possibly investigate.

The external conflicts did not affect Li Yunjing's mood.

Inside the "Yanyu Tower," Li Yunjing and Liu Ruyan returned to their residence and slowly opened the jade box. A dazzling ray of light suddenly burst forth, illuminating the entire room.

"It's actually a top-tier third-order 'Marrow Cleansing Pill'!"

Liu Ruyan leaned forward and, after seeing the contents of the box, couldn't help but exclaim softly, "And this immortal sword engraved with 'Nine Heavens Thunder Roar' is at least a peak third-tier magic weapon!"

"It seems this gift is meant to make me completely put an end to the matter of the mine."

Li Yunjing stroked the hilt of his sword, a meaningful smile playing on his lips: "But if you want to turn the page completely, two gifts won't be enough! Without purging the city, no matter how precious the gifts are, you will be severely punished!"

"Yun Jing, although this Marrow Cleansing Pill is precious, its effect on our current cultivation level is limited."

Liu Ruyan lightly stroked the crystal-clear patterns on the "Marrow Cleansing Pill" with her fingertips, her eyes sparkling: "But this 'Nine Heavens Thunder Roar' sword complements your lightning-based cultivation technique perfectly."

She suddenly pushed the pills back into the box, her expression solemn. "But you're right. If the hidden dangers of the 'City of Glory' are not eliminated, the foundation of the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' will be hanging precariously on a cliff."

After following Li Yunjing, Liu Ruyan's perspective on problems also began to align with Li Yunjing's.

"Master Tianwu and the others wanted to silence them with politeness, but they forgot what the evil god's projection in the mine meant!"

Li Yunjing drew his immortal sword half an inch. As the sword hummed, a tiny bolt of lightning danced at its tip, reflecting a cold glint in his eyes: "If it weren't for your timely reminder, the entire 'City of Glory' would probably have become a demonic altar."

He abruptly sheathed his sword, causing the wooden box to tremble slightly. "These past years, the borders have been peaceful, yet they've become so complacent that they haven't even detected the infiltration of the demonic path. How can we maintain order without severely punishing them?"

"But now the whole city is under martial law, which has caused widespread panic."

Liu Ruyan got up and pushed open the carved window. Listening to the constant sounds of fighting in the city, she sighed softly, "If we investigate further, I'm afraid it will arouse the dissatisfaction of the garrisoned cultivators."

As she turned around, the jade hairpin at her temple swayed gently. "You still need to calm down. You can't keep putting pressure on me!"

"You have a point!"

Li Yunjing walked to her side and put his arm around her slender waist: "However..."

He ran his fingertips along her reddened earlobe, a sly smile playing on his lips. "That's exactly what I was thinking."

After saying that, he put the flying sword and pills back into the jade box, handed it to Liu Ruyan, and quickly engraved several runes to seal them. "These two treasures are for you!"

"Give me?"

Liu Ruyan was taken aback, then declined, saying, "It's too precious, you should keep it!"

"for you!"

Li Yunjing reached out and shoved the jade box into Liu Ruyan's hand before laughing, "I have plenty of treasures on me. Taking the 'Marrow Cleansing Pill' will improve your aptitude and accelerate your cultivation; that sword can also be used for self-defense. Take it!"

"Okay! I'll take it!"

Liu Ruyan smiled happily at Li Yunjing, but suddenly she remembered something, her expression hardening as she lowered her voice and said, "Yunjing, I've been feeling lately that there's more to the matter than meets the eye regarding the mine. Those men in black robes seem to know the mine's layout inside and out, and the sacrificial array is conveniently located beneath the main vein that the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect' mined back then. Could it be...?"

She paused, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes, "Could there be a mole tipping us off?"

"You mean, someone within the Divine Firmament Dao Sect is colluding with the demonic path?"

Li Yunjing's pupils contracted slightly, and his aura surged involuntarily, causing the window frames to rattle.

He stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and suddenly sneered, "'Shenxiao Dao Sect' is a large and powerful organization that has been established for so many years. It's unrealistic to say that it hasn't produced a single scoundrel!"

"But I believe that there will definitely be no high-ranking members betraying us within the 'Divine Firmament Dao Sect'!"

He clenched his fist, his expression seemingly returning to normal, and said easily, "I will tell Tianwu Zhenren and Wang Tianhua to focus on investigating cultivators who have come into contact with the mine blueprints within the past six months during the search."

As night deepened outside the window, Liu Ruyan leaned on Li Yunjing's shoulder, gazing at the starry sky and murmuring, "I really hope this storm will subside soon. After your wedding, we can find a quiet place to focus on our cultivation."

Before she could finish speaking, Li Yunjing lowered his head and kissed her lips, whispering softly, "Once the 'City of Glory' returns to peace, and I've finished dealing with everything, I'll take you to travel all over this vast land."

……

As night deepened, the lights of the "City of Glory" shone even brighter than usual.

The newly erected crossbows on the city wall glowed with a faint blue light, and a team of cultivators patrolled back and forth every hundred feet.

"Pass down the order to all wards and markets to organize investigations within three days!"

Inside the council hall, Master Tianwu's tense expression finally eased a bit as he watched the continuous stream of good news. But then he suddenly remembered something and slammed his hand on the table: "The rented houses in the city must also be thoroughly investigated. If there are any more oversights, don't blame me for being impolite!"

In this storm, some dance on the edge of a knife, while others plot in the shadows. As the night deepens, no one knows how many unrevealed secrets are hidden in the shadows of the "City of Glory".

Nine new lightning watchtowers have been added to the city walls, emitting purple lightning day and night to guard against possible attacks.

On the streets, the disciples of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" led the recruited cultivators in a patrol team, marching in neat steps. The "Soul Appraisal Jade Slips" at their waists shimmered with light as they walked through every street in the city.

During their seven-day stay in the "City of Glory," Li Yunjing used the dual cultivation techniques from the "Yin Yang He Dao Jing" to practice with Liu Ruyan every day, helping her improve her cultivation level.

Li Yunjing then explained to Liu Ruyan the problems she didn't understand about cultivation.

After Liu Ruyan had no more questions, Li Yunjing quietly left "City of Glory" amidst her reluctant farewell, heading towards the East Sea. Upon arriving at "Yingtian Prefecture," Li Yunjing concealed himself in the void, surveyed the imperial palace, and seeing that there were no problems with the royal family, he then piloted the "Sky Patrol Ship" into the vast ocean.

The "Sky Patrol Ship" flew straight toward "Divine Firmament Island". Along the way, although it encountered some cultivators, these cultivators dared not have any bad intentions when they saw the majestic appearance of the "Sky Patrol Ship".

Three days later, Shenxiao Island came into view.

This giant island, floating above the East China Sea, is surrounded by nine golden bands of light, and nine ever-burning lamps can be vaguely seen illuminating the island amidst the clouds and mist.

This is the "Golden Lantern Array in the Sea of ​​Clouds" that Fu Lingfeng set up back then.

On the majestic mountain peaks of the island stand the celestial palace buildings of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" branch.

Li Yunjing maneuvered the "Sky Patrol Ship" through the outer defensive barrier. Wherever the ship passed, the floating ever-burning lights automatically avoided it and emitted a buzzing warning.

Before the patrol personnel could even take off, a token flew out from the "Sky Patrol Ship," emitting a burst of lightning that formed a thunder dragon roaring towards the sky!

This is the "Thunder Dragon Token"!
The deputy sect leader representing the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" has arrived!
"Wow..."

The news of Li Yunjing's arrival caused an instant sensation. On Shenxiao Island, Elder Wu Cheng, the island's lord, stared in utter shock at the massive warship floating in mid-air!
"Li Yunjing has actually broken through to the Golden Core Realm and been promoted to Vice Sect Leader!"

Wu Cheng rubbed his eyes hard, hardly believing what he was seeing.

"Quickly ring the Gathering Immortals Bell!"

Elder Wu Cheng's sleeves fluttered in the strong wind. He swallowed twice, then suddenly pulled out the communication jade token from his waist and poured spiritual power into it: "The sect's vice sect leader has arrived. The entire island, proceed to Golden Palace Square immediately!"

The jade pendant shone brightly, casting his alarmed yet excited expression in shifting light.

"Dangdangdang..."

The three long and two short chimes pierced through the sea of ​​clouds, startling thousands of birds.

Throughout Shenxiao Island, disciples who were cultivating staggered to their feet and assembled as ordered.

Even the stewards who were holding a meeting in the island lord's mansion changed their expressions and flew towards the square on their swords.

Li Yunjing stood on the deck of the "Sky Patrol Ship," looking down at the crowd gathered like ants, his Golden Core Realm aura faintly visible around him.

The "Thunder Dragon Token" hovered above the warship, each swing of its tail bringing with it streaks of lightning, making the nine ever-burning lamps shine even brighter.

Li Yunjing cannot go down until these people are ready to welcome him.

The authority of the deputy sect leader of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" must be maintained.

Elder Wu Cheng was the first to land in the square, his forehead still damp with sweat.

"Wu Cheng, the resident elder of Shenxiao Island, respectfully welcomes Vice Sect Leader Li!"

Looking at the "sky patrol ship" floating in the sky, his throat went dry, and he shouted in a trembling voice.

Before he finished speaking, hundreds of disciples behind him knelt down in unison, the sound of which made the jade tiles on the square tremble slightly.

"Wow..."

The actions of the disciples of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" also alarmed the business people, temporary residents, and passing travelers on "Shenxiao Island." Everyone stared blankly at the huge warship in the sky.

Many people don't know what kind of existence the deputy sect leader of the "Shenxiao Dao Sect" is, or how much power he actually wields within the "Shenxiao Dao Sect".

But that doesn't diminish their sense of awe.

In any faction, the deputy sect leader is a high-ranking member. Coupled with this giant ship and the importance that Elder Wu Cheng and the others attached to it, all the cultivators from other factions understood that a big shot had arrived.

"Excuse me!"

The moment the ship's doors opened, golden light poured out.

On a golden avenue, Li Yunjing walked steadily, with faint Dao patterns appearing under his feet with each step, as he descended upon the plaza.

"Elder Wu, it's been a long time."

Standing in the square, under the watchful eyes of thousands of cultivators, Li Yunjing raised his hand to help them up, his powerful spiritual energy lifting them to their feet. His gaze swept over the cultivators in the crowd, each with a different expression.

"Vice Sect Leader Li, it's been many years. Your cultivation has truly broken through."

Looking at the familiar face before him, Wu Cheng felt a pang of sadness. He recalled that back then, Li Yunjing was just one of his soldiers!

He's the deputy manager of the "Shenxiao Island" market!

Unexpectedly, upon meeting again, their positions had completely reversed.

"Hehe! Elder Wu Cheng, no need to be so formal, we're old acquaintances."

Li Yunjing concealed his aura, retrieved his identity token, and smiled, "I'm not here on official business this time. I'm here to pick up some friends to return to the sect for my wedding."

"So you've come for a happy occasion!"

Elder Wu Cheng's tense expression eased slightly, and he hurriedly led Li Yunjing towards the Island Lord's Mansion: "For Vice Sect Leader Li's wedding, I must prepare a generous gift. However..."

He turned to look at the "Sky Patrol Ship" and lowered his voice, saying, "Shenxiao Island has been quite turbulent lately. The East China Sea is turbulent, and demonic beasts are frequently appearing in the surrounding waters. Has your journey been smooth?"

"We did encounter some pirates and monsters, but with the 'Sky Patrol Ship' here, these were nothing but clowns."

As soon as Li Yunjing finished speaking, a muffled sound suddenly came from the distant sea, startling a large flock of seabirds, as if cultivators were fighting.

"It seems the situation in the East China Sea is worse than I imagined."

Li Yunjing frowned slightly, his divine sense spreading out like a tide: "Elder Wu, does someone still dare to cause trouble on our 'Shenxiao Dao Sect' territory?"

Wu Cheng led everyone to sit in the reception room of the island lord's mansion. Li Yunjing sat at the head of the table, and a maid served him spiritual tea.

"To be honest, three months ago, the 'Tianluo Dao Sect' from the depths of the East China Sea invaded the nearby waters. They were quite powerful, causing panic among the people of the East China Sea."

He stroked the teacup, his expression grave: "What's even stranger is that the sea monsters, which rarely show themselves, have recently been frequently attacking merchant ships."

He pulled a scroll of sea chart from his sleeve. "This was brought back by a surviving cultivator. The sea areas marked on it are all places that have been particularly turbulent recently!"

"As for our place, although there are some minor skirmishes, they are all within a controllable range, and no one dares to really attack us!"

Finally, Wu Cheng hesitated for a moment before saying, "In addition, the island protection formation has been activated. Although it has consumed a large number of spirit stones, it has deterred the restless cultivators from all sides, so the benefits outweigh the drawbacks."

"Senior Fu Lingfeng's 'Golden Lantern Array in the Cloud Sea' was originally intended to defend against 'Divine Firmament Island,' so there is nothing wrong with what you did!"

Li Yunjing tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, making a "tap tap tap" sound, and looked up at Wu Cheng, "Are the defensive formations on the island still stable?"

"To be honest, although Shenxiao Island is protected by an array, its resources have been depleted in recent years, and the supply of spiritual energy on the island is insufficient. The power of the Golden Lamp Array is not as great as before."

Wu Cheng shook his head with a wry smile.

"Elder Wu, please take good care of him and keep a close watch on the situation in the East China Sea."

Li Yunjing smiled, his aura surging forth, "After I send my friend back to the sect and complete the wedding, I will arrange for experts to come and support the engagement!"

Li Yunjing had already dealt with the people of the "Tianluo Dao Sect" twice. It could be said that the "Tianluo Dao Sect" had a deep-seated hatred for him, and almost all of its elite members had been slaughtered by Li Yunjing.

The main reason why the Tianluo Dao Sect attacked was probably because of the Shenxiao Dao Sect.

The secret has been hidden for many years, and the Tianluo Dao Sect may well know the truth.

"Back in Shenxiao Island, I was just a minor deputy manager of the market. Now I'd like to see who dares to stir up trouble on the territory of Shenxiao Dao Sect!"

Li Yunjing added with a smile.

He naturally wouldn't tell Elder Wu Cheng that the cause of everything came from him.

"The arrival of Vice Sect Leader Li is a great event for the sect. 'Shenxiao Island' must hold a three-day and three-night banquet!"

Elder Wu Cheng rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with smiles: "We have a thousand-year-old 'Mysterious Ice Fish' that was just caught on the island, as well as a spirit wine that has been treasured for a hundred years. Please, Vice Sect Leader Li, taste them."

(End of this chapter)